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SKETCHES 



OF 



UNITED STATES' SENATORS, 



lA 



OF THE 



SESSION OF 1887-'8. 



"** I STAND A SENATOR WITHIN THE SENATE HOUSE. 



n 



BY 



"A LOOKER ON HERE IN VERONA." 



WASHINGTON: 
WILLIAM M. MORRISON. 

1839. 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1839^ 

BY JOSEPH ETTER, 

In the Clerk's OiDce of the District Court of the District of 

Columbia, 



JOSEPH ETTER, PRINTER, 
C ORNER OF PENlf. AYENUK AJiD TENTH STPvEET. 



INDEX. 



Dedication, ^ 

Preface, 7" 

Henry Clay; 13 

Daniel Webster, 18 

John C . Calhoun, 25 

Thomas H. Benton, 29 

William C. Preston, , 33 

Felix Grundy and Hugh L. White, 36 

Samuel L. Southard, 40 

Garrett D. Wall, 43 

Silas Wright, , 48 

John J. Crittenden, ,......., 52 

James Buchanan, 55 

Nathaniel P. Tallmadge, 59 

William C. Rives, , , , , 64 

-aphonias Allen, 66 




TO 

TRUTH, 

THESE SKETCHES ARE DEDICATED, 

BT 

THX AUTHOR, 



1i 



PREFACE. 



No sentiment of the human mind is more general' 
and lively than that curiosity which is found ever 
prevalent, to know something of the history of 
those who are eminent in our day, either because 
of the station which they occupy or the reputation 
for intellectual superiority which they enjoy. When 
therefore, individuals thus distinguished are so 
situated that the good or evil fortunes of the com-- 
munity are, in some measure, committed to their 
charge, the interest which they excite is propor- 
tionately increased. 

Under any circumstances, the Senate of the 
United States, during the period embraced by these 
Sketches, would most amply repay all the attention 
bestowed upon it. 

A variety of reasons have lately conspired to 
give to this august body new dignity and consider- 
ation. Its members have been characters, generally, , 
of the utmost note, and besides coming into its 
deliberations with established fame as orators and 
statesmen, their connexion with exciting periods 
in our history, and their being participants in* 



VIII 

scenes just transpiring or yet in a course of enact- 
ment; has given a spiceness to their proceedings, 
and a correspondent value with the public, of rare 
occurrence. Perhaps we do not flatter our National 
pride at the expense of truth, when we hazard the de- 
claration that the Representatives of the Sovereign 
States in the Councils of the Nation present, in pro- 
portion to their numbers, an amount of intellectual 
and moral excellence not exceeded by that pos« 
sessed by the same body at any preceding epoch 
of its history, and by few, if any, assemblies for 
the purpose of legislation which belong, or have 
belonged, to other countries, or to other times. 

Many of these distinguished men have held tho 
highest offices of honor and trust in the respective 
States from which they are sent ; many of them 
are looking eagerly forward, ambitious of further 
political advancement ; many are engaged in rival 
emulation, and side by side in the view and under 
the criticism and vigilance of each other, are pur- 
suing their various career, towards the same cora- 
mon end. 

When we add to all these considerations that 
topics of the utmost moment, in which th« 
States of this Confederation, and the whole peo- 
ple of the country, are deeply and immediateijr. 



IX 



concerned, claim their attention; that they are 
men whose wisdom and acquirements are well 
known and appreciated ; that the ardor and ability 
which have marked their discussions have ren- 
dered the Senate chamber a school of knowledge 
and of eloquence of the highest order, it must 
be admitted that if the ensuing pages contain 
nothing engaging, the fault may fairly be attri- 
buted, not to the matter of which they treat, 
but the imperfect manner in v;hich the subject is 
approached. 

It is needless to offer any apology for the errors 
which these Sketches may contain. They are 
presented to the public — and they will certain- 
ly (whatever may be here averred of them) ex- 
perience no immunity from the fate of every 
thing else submitted to that tribunal. If any one 
think it worth the necessary waste of stationary to 
criticise these pages, I do not object, "they are fair 
food for powder" — but this I will add, that all my 
desire has been to avoid injustice to any ; and es- 
pecially in a matter in its nature, of necessity, 
somewhat personal, I have endeavored not to in- 
duge in any remark that might savor of a disposi- 
tion to ridicule — all opinion and feeling, originating 



in preference or dislike on party or political grounds, 
I have sought with care to resist, and have intend- 
ed, even if I have failed, to obey what the great 
poet of truth, nature and morality, has enjoined, to, 

*' Nothing extenuate, 
Nor set down aught in malice." 



SKETCHES 

OF 
tJNlTED STATES' SENATORS, 

5E3SIOX 01? 1837-'8. 



SKETCHES, &c. 



HENRY CLAY. 

Mr. Clay is an individual calculated, in any 
country, and at any period, to command much no- 
tice. His talents and his cast of mind are of the 
practical order. You are struck at once with his 
appearance. He is tall and slender of shape, his 
arms, defectively, too long for his size. In dress 
he is plain — yet adhering to the now antiquated 
blue coat and gilt buttons. When he commences 
his remarks, he appears rather awkward and un- 
gainly — which appearance is heightened by a pro- 
nunciation of some words with marked peculiarity 
and impropriety. These defects, however, are lost 
sight of, as he proceeds, and when warmed Vvith a 
subject favorable to display, he is certainly the 
most overpowering and fascinating speaker of his 
ao-e. His form then becomes loftv and erect — his 
countenance beams with life. He looks, thinks, 
and feels every word that he utters. His action is, 
at times, violent in the extreme, vet not over- 
strained or unnatural. His voice is indescribably 
fine, and constitutes one of the greatest charms of 
his oratory. Indeed no man can v. itness an eflbrt 

©f Mr. Clay's, without assenting to the truth of 
o 



14 

the remark of the Grecian, who being asked where- 
in consisted eloquence, replied "action, action, 
action." 

Of Mr. Clay, as an orator, you can have no 
kind of idea, by reading his speeches. You are 
amazed when you peruse coolly in the papers, a 
day or t\vo afterwards, what enchained your at- 
tention, and feasted your soul and your senses, 
midst the crowd and beauty at the capitol. I 
well remember the first time that I heard Mr. 
Clay. I was quite a child, and on a holiday al- 
ternoon wandered into the capitol. The columns 
and the pictures "caught my youthful fancy." 
Whilst there, Mr. Clay spoke, casually and briefly, 
upon the repair of the Cumberland road. I recol- 
lect it as if the occurrence was but of yesterday. 
The impression upon me by his voice and manner 
was indelible — that voice ! how various, how com- 
mandinfi;, hov/ rich in volume, and in intonation! 
In the course of his remarks, he ui^ed this excla- 
mation, -"th« West! theYv^est!! the poor West!!!" 
I was actually awed ! The painted dome above 
his elevated form repeated "the West, the West." 
He o-ave to the word poor, a most melancholy 
emphasis: — it Vvas re-echoed with added dole- 
fulness. 

Simple as this circumstance may seem, and 
lono" ago as it occurred, yet the music, the magic, 
the tone and effect, with which that simple sen- 
tence was uttered, engraved it, with the form and 



15 

manner of the speaker, forever upon my memory, 

and 

" It haunts me yet, tho' many a year has fled, 
Like some wild melody." 

The face of Mr. Clay is strongly indicative of mind 
and passion. His hair is light — unfrosted yet — his 
forehead expanded — his nose large, broad, and Ro- 
man — his eyes blue, his cheek bones prominent, 
his complexion florid. His most remarkable fea- 
ture, however, is the mouth, which expands al- 
most from ear to ear, and is wonderfully expres- 
sive. It is very difficult, truly and fairly, to de- 
pict the characteristics of the mind of Mr. Clay. 
He possesses the utmost tact and readiness in de- 
bate. He is plain, practical, and convincing in ar- 
gument, with ready Avit and matchless declama- 
tion. Although fervid and vehement, yet Mr. Clay 
cannot be said to be imaginative. You find fev/ 
of his expressions or paragraphs brilliant or striking 
enough for preservation. There seems but little 
poetry. in his matter, and that little not always in 
the best taste, but appears, as it were, by accident, 
upon the surface of his earnest diction. His great 
power is passion — the basis of that passion a strong, 
common-sense conviction of the truth of what he 
utters. He drags his hearers along with him, like the 
locomotive brings on the attached cars — the steam 
within impels the first, and the latter must obey the 
propulsion. His mind appears surcharged vjith a 
force of conviction sufficient to hurry his v/hoie 
audience irresistibly to his own conclusions. 



16 

Mr. Clay is well calculated to earn and deserve^ 
popularity. He cultivates kind feelings towards 
his adversaries, and gives and receives, without of- 
fence, whatever pleasantry to which a subject may 
be calculated to give rise. He is bold and spirited 
in every movement, and physically and morally of 
undaunted bravery. He is eminently calculated 
to head and lead a party — feeling enthusiasm and 
imparting it. His views of policy are liberal and 
broad. The ambition with which he is charged is 
but the natural instinct of his greatness — that voice 
within calling to eminence those who know them- 
selves to be capable of attaining it. He has long 
been' prominent before the country, and all wall 
agree that, in times of trial, his patriotic exertions 
have been devoted to the o-eneral o;ood. Without 
discussing the propriety of his political career, (al- 
ways studiously repudiated in these sketches,) at 
least we may add, without reproof from any, that 
" He has done the State some service, and the}' know it." 
Mr. Clay may be said to have commenced his 
political career by a spirited opposition in 1797, '98, 
to the Alien and Sedition Laws. In 1S06 he was 
appointed by the Legislature of Kentucky, to serve 
out the unexpired term of General Adair, in the 
Senate of the United States. In 1811 he opposed 
the renewal of the charter of the Bank of the Unit- 
ed States. He was an ardent supporter of the 
late war. In 1814 he w'as sent to Ghent as one of 
the commissioners to nearotiate with those of Great 



17 

Biitain, about the psace which resulted from their 
labors. Gi the system of Internal Improvements by 
the General Government he mav be almost said 
to be the father. The Tariff and protection of Do- 
mestic iMaaufactures have found in him an unva- 
rying friend. He vras also very conspicuous in 
the -settlement of the much vexed Missouri ques- 
tion — a subject which threatened the permanence 
of our glorious institutions. Mr. Clay long pre- 
sided over the House • of Representatives ; — that 
high and diiScult station he filled with great abihty 
and success. Such are some of the prominent 
points and characteristics of his career. His later 
history has transpired within the m.emory, and be- 
fore the eye, cf the reader. His industry is un- 
tiring ; his spirit has never flagged nor quailed be- 
fore diiSculty or defeat. For the last few years the 
party to Vvhich he is attached has always turned 
to him with the affection and the confidence which 
they havo willingly extended to one long trusted 
and respected. Mr. Clay seems yet in the en- 
joyment of vigorous health and fine spirits. Time 
has dealt not unkindly with him, and his faculties 
of mind and body, promise long to continue in un- 
abated strength and health. 






18 



DANIEL WEBSTER 



There are few names more conspicuous in the 
political history of the day than that which heads 
this article. Pursuant to my fixed intention, I will 
carefully abstain (in the portraiture which I shall 
attempt to make of this distinguished individual) 
from every observation of a political or partisan 
character. 

The person of Mr. Webster is short, large, heavy 
and unwieldly ; in movement he is slow and ap- 
parently inactive. He dresses plainly, in dark, 
colors, with neatness and taste, but without any 
attempt whatever at display. His countenance 
is very remarkable, his complexion saturnine, hi& 
eyes and hair of a deep black. His lips are thin, 
his teeth of dazzling whiteness. His forehead is 
very peculiar, of most uncommon magnitude, his 
brows heavy and lowering.* The moment that 
your eyes rest upon him, you conclude that he is 
a man of great mind, and conscious of intellectual 
superiority. His features are not well calculated, 
to give pov;erful expression to passion. You will 
often observe, v/hen he is animated, a sneer upon 
his face, which accompanies every remiark which 
proceeds from him of particular force or severity. 
Although most studiously urbane in his deport- 
ment, and from education and disposition averse to 
giving pain, yet, when justified in such a course 



19 

by the conduct of his opponents, he is capable of 
wielding with readiness a sword of sarcasm and 
satire which cuts -with the keenness of the scimitar 
of the East. Mr. Webster is distinguished for so- 
lidity, strength, and power of reasoning. His usual 
manner is cold and didactic, frequently, however, 
extremely earnest, and always Avhen earnest most 
powerfully eloquent. Although trained to the severe 
mental discipline of the bar, he is fond of ornament, 
and is always successful v/hen he attempts it. He 
possesses a fine imagination, and is never averse, 
whilst traversing the thorny paths of political dis- 
putation, to scatter the flowers of rhetorical ele- 
gance around him. He often displays a familiar 
acquaintance with the poets. He is a practised 
and fluent speaker, and ready in debate. His 
views of a subject are always liberal and enlarged, 
and he enjoys the advantage of a fund of know- 
ledge of the most extensive character, which his v/ell- 
trained mind enables him to apply v/ith peculiar 
advantasie in debate. The North seldom furnishes 
a passionate declaimer. The temperature of m.an 
generally partakes of the nature of the clime in 
which he is reared. The coldness of his home 
reigns throughout the manner and appearance of 
Mr. Webster. He never thunders with the wild 
vehem.ence of Mr. Clay, or burns with the con- 
tinuous warmth of Preston or Calhoun. He wants 
the passion and enthusiasm which is necessary to 
eloquence of the most overpowering and exciting 



20 

character. Yet be is an orator ofsrreat excellence, 
and a most efficient speaker. His manner suits 
his matter, and he displays as much fervor as you 
would deem in appropri?.te keeping with the sober- 
ness and deep study which characterize all his re- 
marks. You always listen to him with attention, 
and when he concludes you invariably rise from 
hearing him v;ith a firm conviction of his greatness 
as a man, and that your time has been profitably 
employed Vvhilstyou heard him. His habits must 
be those of sreat industry, and whilst at Washinfr- 
ton, his time, in public, is divided bctv/een the 
Senate chamber and the barof the Supreme court. 
In the latter forum his powers have frequently 
been tasked, and tested, by collision v^dth minds 
of the highest order and most extended attainments. 
There — where his greatest laurels have been won — 
his competitors have been such n^en as Taney, 
Pinckney, Jones, Eram.et, Wirt, and others. Ilia 
orations upon occasional subjects, unconnected with -.- 
politics or the law, have added greatly to his repu- 
tation, and are preserved and held forth to the 
public as models of literary excellence. His power 
in debate has been frequently brought into requisi- 
tion in the House of Representatives, and in the 
Senate of the United States. The writer of this 
had an opportunity frequently to hear him during 
what was called the panic session, and also to wit- 
ness the whole of that intellectual combat, which 
took place between Mr. Webster andMr.Hayne, 



^1 

upon Mr. Foote's celebrated resolution. I well 
recollect the expression of unmitigated scorn which 
crossed the lips of this Senator w^hen Mr. Hayne 
intimated that he had passed by Mr. Benton, to at- 
tack him, and that Mr. Benton was an over-match 
for him : 

" Matches and over matches ! Those terms are more ap- 
plicable elsewhere than here, and titter for other assembla- 
ges than this. Sir ! the gentleman seems to forget where, 
and what, we are. This is a Senate ; a Senate of equals — 
of men of individual honor, and personal character, and of 
absolute independence. We know no masters — we acknow- 
ledge no dictators. This is a hall for mutual consultation 
and discussion ; not an arena for the exhibition of champions. 
I offer myself, sir, as a match for no man. I throw the chal- 
lenge of debate at no man's feet. But then, sir, since the 
honorable member has put the question in a manner that calls 
for an answer, I will give him an answ'er. And I tell him, 
that holding myself to be the humblest of the members here, 
I yet know nothing in the arm of bis friend from Missouri, 
either alone, or when aided by the arm of his friend from 
Carolina, that need deter even me from espousing whatever 
opinions I may choose to espouse, from debating whenever 
I may choose to debate, or from speaking whatever I may 
see fit to say, on the floor of the Senate. . Sir, when uttered 
as matter of commendation or compliment, I should dissent 
from nothing which tiie honorable member might say of his 
friend, still less do I put forth any pretensions of my own. 
But when put to me, as a matter of taunt, I throw it back 
and say to the gentleman, that he could possibly have said 
nothing less likely than such a comparison to wound my 
pride of personal character. '' 

I also well rem.ember his most magnificent con- 
clusion in this debate. The Senate chamber was 



2-2 

crowded ; the members of the House of Represen- 
tatives had abandoned their posts, to be present. 
Surrounded by the nodding feathers, the glittering 
ornaments, and rich and fashionable array of the 
beauty of the land, Mr. Webster advanced a step 
in front of his desk, which he pushed behind him, 
and in a tone and manner of the utmost earnest- 
ness — turning from the chair of the president and 
looking towards Mr. Hayne — with very little ac- 
tion at the commencement, but increasing in heat 
and vehemence as he progressed, until at length 
hfs became impassioned and violent in the extreme, 
and far more eloquent than I had ever heard him 
before or since — he observed : 

" I have not allowed myself, sir, to look beyond the 
Union to see what might lie hidden in the dark recess be- 
hind. I have not coolly weighed the chances of presendng 
liberty^ when the bonds that unite us together shall be broken 
asunder. I have not permitted myself to hang over the pre- 
cipice of disunion to see whether, with my short sight, I 
can fatl:om the depth of the abyss below ; nor could I re- 
gard /im as a safe counsellor in the affairs of this Govern- 
ment, whose thoughts should be mainly bent on considering 
not how the Union could be best preserved, but how tolera- 
ble n:ight be the condition of the people, when it shall be 
broken up and destroyed. WI)ile the Union lasts we have 
high, inciting, gratifying pospects spread out before us and 
our children. Beyond that I seek not to penetrate the 
veil. God grant that in my day, at least, that curtain may 
not rise. God grant that on my vision may nevsr be opened 
vyhal lies behind. When my eyes shall be turned to behold 
for the last time, the sun in heaven, may I not see him shin- 
ing on the broken and dishonored fragments of a once glo- 



^3 

rious Union ; on States dissevered — discordant — belligerent ; 
on a land rent with civil feuds, or drenched it may be in 
fraternal blood ! Let their last feeble and lingering glance 
rather behold the gorgeous ensign of the Republic, now 
known and honored througliout the earth, still full high ad- 
vanced, its arms and trophies streaming in all their original 
lustre — not a stripe erased or polluted, nor a single star ob- 
scured — bearing for its motto no such miserable interrogato- 
ry as ' ivhat is all this worth ? ' nor those other words q^" de- 
lusion and folly. Liberty first, and Union afterwards ; but 
everywhere, spread all over in characters of living light 
blazing on all its ample folds, as they float over the sea, and 
over the land, and in every wind under the w-hole heavens, 
that otlier sentiment dear to every true American heart — Li- 
berty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable ! " 

It is difficult to find anything in American liter- 
ature transcending the richness and beauty of 
this extract. The allusion to theflao-ofthe country 
is finely poetic. The example of Mr. Webster 
proves conclusively that the most energetic and pow- 
erful minds are not unpropitious to the culture and 
growth of the more chaste and better productions 6f 
the imagination. The prose of Milton is as powerful 
andnervous as his poetry is pre-eminently sublime. 
Shakspeare is as renowned for his accuracy — for 
his knowledge of man, and of the human heart- 
as for the sweetness of his verse, his taste and thril- 
ling pathos. It is a curious fact that the earlier ef- 
forts of Mr. Curran are plain and void of attempt 
at rhetoric display, and he has declared that all his 
excellence — for which he is so celebrated — in 
splendor of expression and eastern gorgeousness 
and imagery, was the result of labor and of study. 



24 

The tinted and perfumed flowers require, in rear- 
ing, the same assiduous care and attention which 
are lavished upon the fruit and grain of autumn. 
Success, therefore, in this department of mind, is 
equally entitled to our consideration, as in the more 
valued attributes of the reasoning faculty. It is a 
common and injurious error that they may not be 
combined. Mr. Chief Justice Marshall said of 
Mr. Pinckney, of Maryland, that he wielded the 
club of Hercules entwined with flowers — an ex- 
pression itself — a beautiful illustration and example 
of the very merit in another, which commanded so 
apt and warm an eulogium. The writer of this is 
not of the number of the personal friends of this 
gentleman, and feels that in remarks which find 
their origin only in a sense of truth and justice, 
his opinion is not swayed by prndelictions of any 
character in favor of the individual of whom he 
speaks. The history of Mr. Webster is interest- 
ing as that of one — of whom it is our boast that 
our institutions are calculated to exhibit numerous 
instances — who has risen by his own exertions, 
from an origin of comparative humility to posts 
of the greatest eminence ; and whatever may be 
the diversity of opinion as respects the weight or 
merit of his views as a politician, he has won his 
way to widely-spread and cndurin;? fame, and to 
the respect and admiration of his fellow-citizens; 
and no man, who thinks and feels as every Ameri- 
ean should, but is proud of him. 



^ 



JOHN C, CALHOUN, 

1[ now proceed to give the reader a short sketch 
^of the " honest nullifier," as Mr. Calhoun once 
st3/led himself. This eminent individual is not a 
fine speaker. Whilst addressing the Senate he 
stands quite erect. His eyes are fixed upon the 
carpet. His usual action is that of the right hand 
up and down, not unlike the motion of a pump- 
handle. His figure is tall, his hair bushy and 
abundant, his forehead not remarkably high, but 
broad and compact. His countenance, altogether, 
has a Roman cast and expression. His lips are 
stern, boldly outlined and generally closely com- 
pressed; his eyes dark and keen. In argument 
or debate he never refers to a note ; what he says 
he says right on — his ideas appearing to crowd 
more rapidly than language can be found to give 
utterance to them. Although wanting the graces 
of manner, no man is heard with more attention. 
His sentences are usually short. He aims at no 
adornment of style ; indeed, the character of his 
mind and of his political views would not admit of it. 
His written speeches bear a strong resemblance to 
those of Mr. Grattan. The Irish orator is more pas- 
sionate, however, and his efforts differ from those of 
Mr. Calhoun in being studiously and superbly or- 
aaate. There exists, notwithstanding, a strong simili- 
3 



^6 

tude between them. In the productions of both we 
find that sententious brevity which wastes not a word 
in the expression of the idea — that philosophizing 
spirit which extracts from poUtics their aridity, and 
gives to a subject, generally ungrateful, vivacity and 
interest. Mr. Calhoun can never work in the 
traces, or wear the harness, of party. He is of a 
disposition to look up to no individual as his su- 
perior, nor to yield opinion in deference to num- 
bers. I am not one of those who would say of him, 
let him be anathema, — because of his nullifica- 
tion. His conduct upon that subject was largely, 
perhaps entirely, attributable to the position in 
which he found himself. Had he opposed that 
heresy, he would have been crushed in his native 
State. This to every politician is the "vulnusim- 
medicabile." I am yet a skeptic as regards public 
men influencing public opinion in this country. 
Many have been supposed to have created the cur- 
rent, to have given it volume and impetus, when 
in truth all their sagacity consisted in guessing its 
future direction and so placing themselves as to be 
borne onward upon its surface. 

Mr. Calhoun came into Congress much about 
the same time with Mr. Clay. He was alwaj^s 
prominent and influential. He sustained both the 
Declaration of War, and the war itself. Like Mr. 
Clay, he advocated the Bank of the United States, 
— of the bill for the charter of which he was the 
author. Of the system of Internal Improvement 



27 

by the General Government he was an enthusiastic 
champion. He was also in favor of the Tariff, 
originally, and its seminal principle of protection. 
Departing from the sentiments and opinions of his 
political associates, at the time, with creditable sa- 
gacity and patriotism, he urged the expediency and 
propriety of building up the Navy. For a number 
of years he presided over the War Department. Of 
his career as Secretary, but one opinion has ever 
been pronounced ; all admit that he exhibited in 
that station, talents both exalted and practical. 

During General Jackson's administration he was 
Vice President, and of course ex officio President 
of the Senate. In the discharge of the duties of 
this office he was most punctual and assiduous. 
His quickness of movement and decision added to 
the despatch of business. In the chair, his dignity 
of appearance was universally remarked. Although 
upon various questions co-operating with the Whig 
party, Mr. Calhoun always seemed anxious to be 
considered as not completely identified with them. 
Of Mr. Calhoun's peculiar manner, we have 
hitherto spoken. His opponents have objected to 
him, that he is impracticable. It must be remark- 
ed that this has very frequently been said of men 
of whom it has also been alleged that their success 
with mankind exceeded their merits. This denun- 
ciation was a favorite one asrainst Mr. Jefferson. 
Men of minds which unite originality with bril- 
liancy, are apt to be called, or to be considered, 



2B 

visionary. To be visionary is one thing, to be erratSr 
another — to be the first is never to succeed. Those 
who vary with experience and truth, certainly in- 
crease their chances of success. The Federalists; 
as a party, were consistent to their principles and 
their measures. Their demerits bore no kind o£ 
proportion to the extent of their defeat. 

The mind of Mr. Calhoun is active, strongs 
self-relying, bold and original. His opinions may 
be incorrect, but from the splendid fallacy, his ad- 
versary may learn. The very extent of his intel- 
lectual vision frequently misleads — the astronomer 
of old gazing upon the stars stumbled into the pit^ 
In any matter of great moment or emergency I 
would set the highest estimate upon the expositions, 
reasoning, and opinion of Mr. Cai-houn, but at tlie 
same time I should value quite as highly the priv- 
ilege not to be obliged to follow that opinion when 
pronounced. The style of Mr. Calhoun is per- 
spicuous, his information extensive and well digest- 
ed. He always speaks with comparative and com- 
mendable brevity, and compresses into the least 
possible compass. In turn of expression he is fre- 
quently felicitous, almost invariably apposite and 
exact; although well educated he affects no learned 
ornament; the polish imparted by an acquaintance 
with the schools, and the ancient models, is 
evident in the elevation of his thoughts and the 
chaste simplicity of a faultless diction. Seldora 
does this gentleman utter on the floor any thing 
unbecoming the Senator.. 



31 

His position is that of ultra-Democracy ; nor 
can servile obeisance to popular opinion, nor the 
hope of reward from succumbing, be fairly laid to 
his charge, since in the expunging resolution, in 
his movements in reference to the Bank of the 
United States, and upon the various other topics 
with the consideration of which his name is asso- 
ciated, he was always in advance of popular 
opinion — standing in front of the very foremost — 
a position which compels this to be said of him, 
by friend or foe, when candor speaks, that if his 
motives were good he deserves credit both for 
honesty and success — if they were not honest, the 
subsequent popularity of his opinions, uttered and 
enforced long before the people v^^ere brought 
finally to approve, is the strongest proof of supe- 
rior sagacity — that knowledge to all the most dif- 
ficult, to the politician the most useful — prescience 
of the future. 

Mr. Benton has labored very zealously against 
the Bank of the United States, co-operating with 
the late President Jackson in all his measures, in- 
imical to that institution. He was also the author 
and one of the most untiring advocates of the no- 
torious (I will not sdij famous) expunging resolu- 
tion, v/hich was brought forward by him repeatedly, 
after numerous failures, until, at length, he suc- 
ceeded in causing its adoption. Indeed this sub- 
ject, and his success in reference to it, has been 
to him a subject of much seif-gratulation. Boast- 



p. 



ingly he declared in the Senate, "solitary and 
alone I set this ball in motion." Latterly Mr. 
Benton has been less prominent and conspicuous. 
He appears to be yet in the vigor of health and 
manhood. 



29 



T II ]\I A S H.BENTON. 

Entering the eastern gallery of the Senate cham- 
ber, b}^ the usual place of admission, which is the 
southern door, and looking thence upon the floor, 
in a direction about northwest, the eye rests upon a 
personage, of goodly corporeal dimensions— florid 
of complexion, and of marked pinquidity. The 
individual alluded to, you will observe to dress with 
particular neatness and care, to use in a style of 
apparent dandyism the eyeglass which hangs upon 
his bosom in fetters of gold, to be almost perpetu- 
ally engaged in writing or in the examination of 
the heaps of documents and papers piled upon his 
desk, a finely attired, pleasant-seeming gentle- 
man — behold the " Great Expunger." There are 
few gentlemen by whom he is surrounded who 
are liked, or hated, as cordially as himself. His 
enemies would describe him as in mind, or matter 
the very definition of the contemptible, whilst on 
the other hand there are those who consider him 
not surpassed by any in strength of mind and 
force of illustration. 

That both opinions are wide of the truth, the ju- 
dicious reader will be prepared to believe. The 
evercoloring of the friendly hand, and the distor- 
tion by that which is inimical, leaves the genuine 
portrait yet to be drawn. 



30 

The standing of Colonel Benton with his 
hearers, is materially effected by a manner faulty 
and unpopular, and by the natural disadvantage of 
an unpleasant voice under which he labors ; a 
twang decidedly nasal effects his intonation, and 
his action, seems over lofty and theatrical, sound- 
ing rather for stage effect. He is antipode to 
Mr. Clay, in this, that his speeches always read 
surprisingly better than they appear to the hearer. 

Mr. Benton will be heard or read with profit 
upon any question, and upon any side upon which 
he appears before the public. 

He is most laborious, bringing into his arguments, 
which are powerful, a complete array and army of 
facts. 

Unmeasured vituperation has been poured upon 
him, but on the other hand his speeches are reprint- 
ed most extensively, and further and more widely 
than his enemies can, or will, realize, is his name 
with the people, a "household woi-d." He is an 
earnest, bold, but as we have before observed, 
rather unpleasant speaker. 

His style, which is strong, full of fervor and 
energy, occasionally "overleaps the modesty of 
nature." 

His memory appears to be most retentive and 
his mind a complete storehouse of information. 
His faults and merits, in debate, are alike promi- 
nent. 



S3 



TVILLIAM C. PRESTON. 

Amongst the distinguished ornaments of the 
country and the Senate, Mr. Preston deserves a 
conspicuous place. His person is remarkaby tall, 
finely shaped, inclining to corpulency. His face 
is extremely florid — his hair, not auburn, but posi- 
tively red. His resemblance to the likeness of 
Cicero has been frequently remarked, and is sin- 
gularly striking. I have often observed the state- 
liness of his motion upon entering the Senate 
chamber, and the Roman style of ease and ele- 
gance with which he managed the flowing drapery 
of a splendid cloak, robing a form in which grace, 
manliness and strength seemed to concentrates 
The voice of Mr. Preston is musical, managceable 
and well managed — his intonation apparently studi- 
ed, but natural — his action easy, and to appearance, 
subdued from the vehemence which the ardor 
of his temperament would beget, to a degree of 
chastened earnestness. His imagination, which is 
luxuriant, is bridled down by a severe and curbing 
taste. He constantly evinces extent and variety 
of intellectual culture, and a pleasing familiarity 
with the great models of mind and excellence, 
ancient and modern. He is said to be a relative of 
the great Henry, the southern Demosthenes, of the 
days and cause "that tried the souls of men." 
The very sentiment that a drop of the blood of 



34 

such a man is circulating in the veins of a speaker 
should warm his heart, and give to his tongue elo- 
quence and utterance. 

Mr. Preston has not been many years a mem- 
ber of the Senate, but has already attained to 
great eminence and notoriety. He is a thorough 
Whig, having parted with his colleague, Mr. Cal- 
houn, upon the sub-Treasury question. 

In style and manner JMr. Preston very much 
resembles the late Mr. Wirt, in whom was so pleas- 
ingly combined strength of reasoning, with the 
varied and elegant graces of lighter literature. 

The fine arts are indebted to him for apprecia- 
tion and encouragement. They have ever found 
in him a judicious, discriminating and liberal pa- 
tron. One striking: instance might be alluded to, 
(the mention of which is calculated to do him the 
utmost honor,) when, with generous kindness, 
he volunteered to aid the resources and advance 
the prospects of a native genius, whose future em- 
inence in the noble art of statuary we take the 
liberty to prophecy, will, at some future, and not 
distant day, be a matter of national pride to us all. 

It would give the author of these slight sketches 
the utmost pleasure, if possessed of the necessary 
materials to give more at large the details belong- 
ing to the history of Mr. Preston. His native 
State has indeed just cause of pride in the charac- 
ter of her Senators. When asked for her jewels, 
like the Roman mother, she may well point to 
her children. 



85 

As an orator, Mr. Preston ranks very highly. 
Some have even preferred him to Mr. Clay, with 
injustice, as I think, to the latter. 

His eloquence (strong and energetic) belongs to 
the Irish school. He has ardor, brilliancy — copia 
vcrborum. He cultivates good humor, and will 
frequently indulge in the exhibition of a wit, 
which ever sparkles. 

There are few indeed of our public men, who. 
in as brief a period, have created for themselves, 
in public or private, a character more exalted, 
more amiable, and enviable, than that which be- 
longs to this Senator. 



36 



FELIXGRUNDY AND HUGHL. WHITE, 

OF TENNESSEE. 

The State of Tennessee presents much interest 
to the poHtician. It is one of the few States, save 
Virginia, which has given a President to the Union, 
and strange as it may appear, although the residence 
of the military chief, whose influence and popu- 
larity have been so extended, she has been almost 
the first to recede from his party. Her two Sena- 
tors, Grundy and White, differ as much in politi- 
cal sentiment as they do in personal appearance, 
which is widely enough. Mr. Grundy has been 
long a prominent individual. During the war he was 
distin2;uished as a bold and skilful debater, hio;h in 
the confidence of the Republican party, and the 
point of much denunciation from the Federal op- 
ponents of that measure. He has adhered through- 
out to the Jackson party, and is now advanced to 
the post of Attorney General. His colleague, be- 
longing to the party ascendant in his State, re- 
ceived a few votes at the late election for President, 
and enjoys a high reputation for clearness and 
strength of mind. Mr. Grundy advocated, Mr. 
White opposed, the sub-Treasury, — the present 
dividing topic of parties. Their relative difference 
of position has led, on one occasion at least, to un- 
pleasant altercation, the recollection of which I am 
not anxious to revive, but a reference to which is 



37 

necessary as part of their mutual history. Both 
•enjoy extensive reputation as lawyers, the one 
liaving been considered, for many years, as a most 
able judge, the other succeeding as a criminal law- 
yer of the highest repute. As the Indians never 
4eave their Avounded or dead to fall into the hands 
of the enemy, so the Jackson party, acting upon a 
kindred principle of policy, invariably make pro- 
vision for the slain or disabled of political warfare. 
Mr. Grundy is provided for, as. Attorney General, 
Judge White still remains upon the theatre. Time 
has visited with snow the brows of both, but the 
fires of feelins; and ambition burn beneath, like 
the wrath of the volcano coming out of the frosty 
crater. 

Mr. Grundy is a graceful speaker, voluble and 
ever ready ; prone to utter, or to hear, things 
•that are pleasant. He is experienced, and by reason 
thereof, cautious ; and aiming generall}'" to assume 
the position best calculated for his powers — that of 
-defence. A certain natural bluntness and candor, 
however, belong to his character, which will some- 
times break out in spite of studied restraint. His 
manner is warm and effective. Judge White is 
cool and calm ever ; great precision characterises all 
1he says. He evidently thinks clearly and closely. 
He possesses an earnestness, which may or may not 
be, but which has very much the appearance of, 
honesty. A quite perceptible stammering impedes 
and deforms his utterance, giving at first pain to 
iht hearer. 
4 



38 

As regards their temperament, from experience 
and from physiognomy, I should say, that to Mr. 
Grundy belong fire, animation and impetus, on 
every occasion ; that Mr. White possesses con- 
siderable control over feelings liable to be quickly 
warmed ; that he is sudden of excitement, and 
cooling as soon. 

As regards the personal appearance of these 
Senators: — 

Mr. Grundy rejoices in a good portly figure, no 
"ways discrediting the soil which may have given 
him sustenance, with a countenance rosy, round and 
smooth, expressive of good humor, good feeling 
and self-contentment — eyes gray^ and sparkling — 
hair whitened, but bushing about in every direction 
and abundant ; neither toil nor thought has chis- 
elled cheek or brow. His age, with the apparent 
healthfulness and comfort which accompany it, 
deserves the beautiful description of the finest of 
poets, " frosty but kindly." The attenuated thin- 
ness of his colleague is in striking contrast. In this 
respect Judge White reminds us of the story told 
of one of the Greek poets, who was compelled to 
carry lead in his pockets for fear of being blown 
awav. The face of Judge White is dio;nified and 
Impressive, bony however, thin and elongated. 
Care and time have marked it with furrows and 
sedateness. His eyes are small, gray and bright, 
his hair comes down over his temples plain, long 
and white. His habits seem those of great atten- 
tion to business. He speaks seldom ; avoiding the 



39 

general time-consuming sin, and is ever heard with 
marked respect. 

What changes a few years produce in the re- 
lative positions of party men! Not long ago these 
distinguished Senators were united in raising An- 
drew Jackson to power ; they are now to each other 
the very extreme of opposition ; a few short seasons 
ago, how trustingly they confided in each other ! 
now they indulge in mutual recrimination — "var- 
ium et mutahile semper, ^^ the poet says of woman — 
it should rather be said of the politician. After 
all, are the honors of public life worth what they 
cost? 

In this vein of inquiry I talce my leave of Ten* 
aessee. 



10 



SAMUEL L. SOUTHARD, 

The little State of New Jersey contributes her 
proportion to the intellect of the Senate. Mr. 
Southard would be prominent in any assembly ; 
his talents are alike profound and brilliant. In va- 
rious departments, political and judicial, in his 
native State and in the employmentof the Federal 
Government, he has had ample opportunity for 
great acquisition and improvement. The appear- 
ance of this gentleman is striking — his seat in the 
Senate is near to that of Mr. Clav, with whom he 
is on terms of the utmost personal intimacy. 

His eyes are gray and sparkling, his nose prom- 
inent and Roman, his hair rising up in bushiness 
above his forehead, his figure of ordinary height^ 
compact and firmly knit. His voice is command- 
ing and impressive, well calculated to convey 
warmth and earnestness of feeling. I should say 
that he is either a very honest man, or a very good 
actor. His manner is altogether extremely fine — oc- 
casionally I have heard him surpassingly eloquent. 

Mr. Southard is evidently a ripe scholar, bold 
and quick in reply, smiting with a degree of sar- 
casm, which he has the courage to use upon ap- 
propriate occasions. His zeal and vehemence, 
however, have carried him at times rather beyond 
the bounds of discretion. Mf. Southard has. 
itood wiith coDistancy and devotion^ without wavftt- 



41 

ing, beneath the Whig flag during all its fortunes,, 
for weal or for prosperity. 

Upon most questions of moment his views are 
presented to the public. 

His opponents have not spared him. A lava 
flood of invective and reproof have constantly 
poured across his path, and there can be no surer 
proof of the importance of a political character than 
the violence and venom v/ith which his enimies 
assail him. The lifrhtnini^s of heaven blaze around 
the loftiest pinnacles ; that only which is elevated 
invites the ambition of the destroyer. 

The career of Mr. Soutaard has been one of 
much honor, labor and usefulness. 

He is a lawyer of gi*eat distinction and has been 
for a long time Attorney General of his native 
State. During the Administration of John Quincy 
Adams he w^as Secretary of the Navy, upon the 
breaking up of w^hich he resigned wdth the other 
members of the Cabinet. 

Almost ever since that period he has enjoyed 
(if its tenure can be so characterised) a seat in the 
Senate. 

His numerous duties, however, have not alien- 
ated him from pursuits less vigorous and more in- 
viting. The records of our national literature bear 
favorable testimony to his acquirements, his indus- 
try and his taste. 
4* 



i 



42^ 

To the man In business and public Tife whose- 
paths of political journeying are thick with thorns-—* 1 

who must constantly encounter the bitterness of, 
partizan warfare— letters must indeed be relief and 
a luxury. 

Mr. Southard is frequently engaged in the Su-~ 
preme Court of the United States, the bar of which, 
hold in high estimation his excellent qualities as ^a 
man and a lawyer. 



4.r 



GARRET D. WALL. 

or NEW JERSEY. 

We have already given the reader a short ac-'- 
oount of a distinguished Senator from the State of 
New Jersey; we think his colleague also entitled to 
a place amongst the conspicuous. Mr. Garret D. . 
Wall represents the party in his State opposed 
to that which delights to honor Mr. Southard. As 
an orator, in manner, Mr. Wall may not compare 
with his colleague. His method of delivery super-- 
adds nothing to the innate interest and effect be- 
longing to what he utters. In person he is com- 
pactly and rather heavily constructed. He usual- 
ly wears a frock coat — gray, with standing collar, 
and of staid appearance. This gives him an. 
aspect rather military. His countenance betokens- 
intelligence — his features not particularly marked— 
his eyes are blue, his hair abundant. Mr. Wall 
is one of those, who constitute a large class in our 
country, who, in the ancient divisions of party,, 
were Federalists, but now claim to be Democrats.. 
The incidents of the late war produced many such 
converts. The opposition to that great measure 
of policy was certainly, on the part of many, of. 
such a nature, that co-operation with them, could 
not be justified even under the somewhat ambig- 
uous morality of severe party discipline. The 



u 

seceders, however, like converts in every things 
have, perhaps, become as entirely and fully 
Democratic — it may be more so than the ancient, 
unaltered, and unchangeable champions of the 
cause. Be that as it may, Mr. Wall enjoys in 
a high degree, the confidence of those, of feeling 
and action, kindred to his own. He possesses a 
mind certainly of a very high order, and evinces 
great acquirements and cultivation. 

He reasons well ; his efforts are enlivened and 
adorned with classical allusions, and his embel- 
lishments, although frequent, and from various 
sources, are regulated by a sound and judicious 
taste. He possesses in a very eminent degree, 
fine humor, a lively wit, and a temper kind, and 
•inducing him careful!}? to exclude from his sallies, 
whatever would render them fairly objectionable 
to his opponents, or unpleasant in debate. A 
considerable resemblance in some departments of 
mind may be traced between Mr. Wall and 
Mr. Crittenden, of Kentucky, of whom we have 
already spoken. Their complexion of intellect, 
so to speak, is considerably alike ; beyond this, 
however, much similitude cannot be traced. It is 
astonishing how much the fame of the orator 
depends upon those accomplishments, which are 
merely physical. Fire and impetuosity en- 
chain the attention, whilst a speaker, slow and 
frigid, clothing the most profound wisdom with 



45 

the choicest diction, the most splendid illustrationr 
and the quick and beauteous productions of luxu- 
riant imagination, is heard with indifference, or not 
heard at all. This truth should be remembered in 
the schools, and the arts of elocution should be 
particularly cultivated by all whose future pros- 
pects, or the nature of whose profession, may ren- 
der it necessary or proper for them to appear as 
speakers before the public. The Senators from 
New Jersey, owing to their dissonance in political 
sentiment, have frequently been placed in attitudes 
of collision to each other. The question of the ri2:ht 
of instruction, has been a frequent topic between 
them, calling forth from both, strictures upon the 
political opinions and conduct of his adversary. 

Upon one of those occasions Mr. Wall, in reply 
to Mr. Southard, remarked, as we quote below. 
We insert his observations, with which we con- 
clude this notice, as a sample of his style, and also 
as explaining the views and opinions, actuating a 
number of others, occupying a like position : 

" My colleague, with some scorn, speaks of modern De- 
mocracy, and says that he went to bed one night a Demo- 
crat, and rose the next morning a Federalist. &ir, i£ sucb 
a metamorphose took place his Democracy must have beea 
composed of 'such stuff as dreams are made of — 'lika 
ihadows it came, and like shadows tt departed.' My Demo- 
cracy, however modern it may be, neither came so sudden- 
ly, nor will it I hope be so evanescent. I admit that my 
Bemocracy is a plant of slow growth ; it neitbjer came uj. 



46 

in the night, nor will it be found withered in the morning;. 
It resulted from reflection, experience, and the conquest 
over error and prejudices ; and I hope that like all plants 
of slow growth, it will be the more endTuring. I have no 
pretensions to that ?/ndzous Democracy which arises from 
hereditary descent. I cannot boast that ' I was born in 
the purple.' Hereditary Democracy savors rather of Ar- 
istocracy, and like hereditary property, is apt to be dissipa- 
ted. Unfortunately for me, my father died before the for- 
mation of parties in this countiy, but he bequeathed to me 
his Revolutionary feelings and example, his only inheri- 
tance. Mr. President, I do not boast of my consistency. 
Since I attained the age of twenty-one, I acknowledge 
that I have changed my opinion upon many subjects, legal, 
political, religious, moral, philosophical, and as to men ; and 
if my life is spared, and the possession of my faculties is 
vouchsafed to me, I do not doubt but I may still change. 
But, sir, in pure love of my country, and its institutions, 
in devotion to what my judgment tells me w^ill best promote 
its interests, in the love and pursuit of truth, and the at- 
tainment of honorable ends by honorable means, I am not 
conscious of any change. 

" Whatever my Democracy or my Federalism may have 
feeen, it is now drawn from the principles of our Revolu- 
tion, and of our Republican institutions, and an adherance 
to that mode of administering the Government which will 
produce the greatest good to the greatest number. I draw 
my Democratic principles from Washington's farewell ad- 
dress, from the doctrine of equal rights and equal privile- 
ges, and the protection of those rights and privileges, and 
all other privileges sanctioned by the Coastital3on, by law.. 
Finally, sir, I believe in a strict construction of the Consti- 
tution, but such a construction as will develope and call iiv 



47 

to action, all its express and implied powers for the bene- 
ficent purposes of its adoption. 

" Now, sir, whether this Democracy is from the fichoc^ of 
Federalism or Republicanism, of Washington or Jefferson, 
1 shall not inquire. It is my Democracy," 



48 



TSILAS WRIGHT, 

OF NEW YORK. 



Midst all tlie " potent, grave and reverend seig- 
Tiors" who represent the dignity and the honor of 
the sovereign States of this Confederacy, to none be- 
longs a physiognomy, more betokening peace with- 
in and kindness towards all, than does that of the 
Chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means. 

When the spectator from the gallery asks for 
Mr. Wright, of New York, he is pointed to a 
gentleman of limited altitude, of an exterior, plain 
in the extreme, to a countenance rosy as the hues 
of the departing sunset, lighted up with the ready 
smile, which at once conciliates the good opinion 
of the beholder. 

And yet this gentleman, so unassuming — with a 
■head remarkable for its rotundity and s^-arseness of 
hair — with a voice squeaking, puerile and harsh, is 
nevertheless, considered, and very justly, as one 
of the most respectable and lucid debaters upon tli« 
floor where he sits. 

The genius of Mr. Wright is not of the brilliant 
kind. He is prompt in reply, but very plain and 
business-like — not aspiring to be fanciful, nor ever 
guilty, by accident or design, of a joke. 

Mr. Wright may be relied on for steadiness, 
safety and strength. He still sustains the Admin- 
istration, of which he is a prominent support. W« 



49 

Trequently find the rc^.rcsentativ€ Impregnated with 
'the character of the community which he repre- 
sents, and thus we find in Mr. Wmght, a stj-le 
-devoid of ornament, abounding in sober sense and 
strong reasoning, wiiich we may readily believe to 
be popular amidst a constituency — persevering- 
laborious — whose time is spent at the plough tail, or 
in the work-shop, in hard, driving, restless industry. 
His colleague, from the city, seems, from a like 
cause, rather ambitious of smooth phrases and pretty 
figures, and will occasionally invoke the numbers 
■of Parnassus, in aid of those of the counting-room, 
it is strange that a fine poetic quotation should be 
in good taste amidst the dry details, arithmetic and 
talculationsof a speech upon a mercantile topic — 
yet what more dissimilar than the stiff and stately 
Tcolumn of marble and the lithe creeping, and ver- 
"dant vine — but how sweetly they combine their 
beauties, the modest verdure and variety of nature 
-giving, as nothing else can give, freshness and ef- 
■fect to the monuments of art. 

In manner Mr. Wright is by no means remark- 
"able — his enunciation is distinct, his action easy, 
and unstudied. He is seldom warmed even to the 
point of energy. His language bears none of the 
variety and graces of philological taste and re- 
search. His understanding is remarkably clear. 
'He is generally master of his subject, and his idea.^ 
find an appropriate conveyance in terms suited to 
'the apprehension of all who hear him. The Oppo- 
5 



60 

f ition consider him as th e chosen vehicle of the 
views and sentiments of the Government. His 
position is, therefore, one of peculiar delicacy — re- 
quiring coolness, address, and that consummate tact, 
which no one possesses more eminently than him- 
self. He is frequently involved in the controversies 
of debate, always acquitting himself with zeal and 
ability — ever preserving his accustomed tone of 
steady deliberation. 

During his Senatorial career, he has continually 
studied, and managed, to avoid giving, or being ex- 
posed to take, personal offence. He bears with 
philosophic composure the wordy wrath of his op- 
ponents. 

He sits unmoved, cold as the ocean rock, whilst 
the storm of angry debate rages around him — 
its foam and violence, Avasting itself away Avith- 
out effect against the sides of his calm impertur- 
bability. 

His conspicuous position as chairman, or member, 
of various committees of importance, compels him 
to labor, as well as to argue and to listen. 

His numerous reports, many of them upon topics 
of the utmost interest, do great credit to his busi- 
ness capacities, and invariably bear the same char- 
acteristics, of strong reasoning, and well considered 
caution in expression, to which we have before 
alluded, as descriptive of his style and manner in 
debate. 



61 

The reader may be struck with the great variety 
of character, and amount of intelligence, to be found 
in a body as limited in number as that of the Senate 
of the United States. 

It presents indeed a subject of pleasing contem- 
plation. To this great theatre, mind sends its tribute 
from every portion of our vast Republic ; from the 
snow-covered North, from the temperate regions of 
the middle States ; from the land of the cotton, 
the sugar-cane and orange. 

Sections of the country — in geographical posi- 
tion the farthest removed from each other — are 
there taught to respect that genius common to all — 
not the product of soil or place — but the lux- 
uriant growth, every where, of our free and happy 
institutions. 

Let the lesson, which this consideration incul- 
cates, sink deep into the hearts of all, and persuade 
us, that nothing sectional can be patriotic or Amer- 
ican — that we have a common fame in the great 
men of the whole country, and have a general, 
inalienable, and inseparable interestj in her glory 
and prosperity. 



59 



JOHN J. CRITTENDEN, 

OF KENTUCKY. 

Kentucky, like South Carolina and New Jerseys- 
shines, in the Senate^with all the brightness of com- 
manding intellectual greatness. Both her repre- 
sentatives are entitled to be numbered with the 
most gifted. The eloquence of Mr. Crittenden 
is entirely different from that of his colleague Mr. 
Clay. In his appearance there is nothing very 
peculiar — his bearing is dignified — ^liis m.anners 
easy, polished and elegant — bis size medium — his 
hair touched by the silvery fingers of time, which, 
has spared him in every other respect. His man- 
ner is pleasing and placid — without fire — without 
fervor, but with animation enough to impart effect 
to language^ requiring but little aid to give it the 
deepest interest with the hearer.. When he rises 
you will not think of departing until you have 
heard him out ^ as he approaches his conclusion 
your regret at his brevity increases. You may be 
certain that he will not abuse your paiience.. Mr.- 
Crittenden is an earnest coadjutor of Mr.. Clay, 
espousing the same views and policy. He could 
hardly be located in a position better calculated for 
Ihe exercise and display of the talents which he 
possesses, than the one he occupies. It is difficult 
\d depict as many characters as I have undertakea 
tO' represent — all actio^; on the same tbealce — ^wiiL- 



5a 

out being guilty of occasionally a lack of due ia- 
dividuality. 

John Randolph called Mr. Trumbull's paintings 
of the sio-ners of the Declaration of Independence 
a shin piece. I hope that I may escape a kindred 
charge of presenting a monotonous array, in my at- 
tempts to delineate a group of calm and sedentary 
legislator?. 

I think that I am in no danger of failing to ex- 
hibit the individuahty, amongst his eminent com- 
peers, of the distinguished Kentuckian. 

The feelings of Mr. Crittenden are of an ele- 
vated and lofty character — his taste is cultivated 
and severe — his mind logical, refining, given to 
criticism, abounding in the most chaste and delicate 
wit, with a power of sarcasm — not stern — severe and 
unmerciful enough to be called invective — rarely to 
be met with. Clay may be likened to Moreau — 
dashing, impetuous — in the thickest of the fight 
hewing down with the sabre — exposed to blows, 
and dealing them around with liberality. Calhoun 
is the artful general, skilled in strategic, planning 
with consummate skill, and master of resources. 
Crittenden is the light lancer, mounted for rapid, 
efficient movement — like those horsemen of Csesar 
who conquered the dandies, whom Pompey sent 
against them, by scarring their painted cheeks and 
destroying their beauty. 

Mr. Ctittenden is an able and active Senator> 
and participates frequently in debate. 
5^ 



56 

news reaching Lancaster of the intended and 
threatened attack, by the British, upon Baltimore, 
(rendered memorable by the gallantry with which 
they were repulsed,) he addressed his fellow-citi- 
zens assembled at the court house, upon the occa- 
sion, with great eloquence and effect, and became 
largely instrumental in organizing on the spot a 
volunteer company, which was immediately armed 
and equipped, and marched to the scene of action — 
enrolling himself in its numbers as a private — 
bearing his musket and his knapsack. 

At the time of the memorable election of John 
Q. Adams to the Presidency of the United Slates 
by the House of Representatives, he was a member 
of that body. This measure received his hearty 
disapproval and warm denunciation. Immediately 
he earnestly espoused the cause of Andrew Jack- 
son. Thereafter, the Democratic party, in his old 
district, adopted him as their candidate, and again 
he was returned to the National Legislature. 
Thenceforth his adherence to this party has been 
uniform and unwavering. Its confidence has never 
forsaken him. 

Upon the return of that singular, but brilliant 
and distinguished character, John Randolph, from 
the Court of St. Petersburg, Mr. Buchanan was 
appointed by General Jackson to succeed him^ 
where he remained three years. After negotiating 
a very important treaty, he returned to bis native 
land. «*,ill X 



67 

Whilst in the House of Representatives, he wa* 
ft prominent and efficient member of the com- 
mittee appointed to prefer charges of impeach- 
ment, and to sustain them, before the Senate of 
the United States, against Judge Peck, of Missouri.- 
These charges failed, not receiving the sanction 
(as required by the Constitution) of the votes of 
two-thirds of the body, before which they were pre- 
ferred. His speech, however, upon the occasion, 
was considered highly able an-d creditable. 

Shortly after his return from Russia, he was 
elected by th^ Legislature of Pennsylvania to serve 
out the unexpired term of Judge Wilkins in the 
United States' Senate. To the same post he was 
elected, to serve six years from the fourth day of 
March, 1S37. 

Such is a brief and imperfect narrative of some 
of the principal incidents in the life of the Hon. 
Senator from Pennsylvania. 

In his Senatorial career Mr. Buchanan seems 
not ambitious of frequent obtrusion upon the 
notice of the public. When, however, he has been 
called upon to join in debate, his efforts have com- 
manded respect ; not so much from his manner, as 
from the soundness of his views and his known 
ability. In person he is largely above the com- 
mon size — of heavy frame — awkward in his mo- 
tions, with a voice peculiar and unpleasing. He 
if one of the few, who, in the unenvied condition 
oC bachelorship, has attained to distiaction in ths: 



58 

national councils. Mr. Bucahnan possesses great 
influence in his State. His mind is of a plain cast. 
He aims at nothing merely ornamental. He is 
fluent; in utterance easy, in language accurate. 
His habits are of strict laboiious attention to the 
duties of his station. Accuracy of tliouglit, strength 
of reasoning, and steady devotion to his principles 
and his party, are among his characteristics. As a 
lawyer, a statesman, and business character, he ib 
rated as highly eminent. In private life (notwith- 
standing the late period to which he has arrived 
in a condition of single blessedness) he is described 
as warm-hearted, friendly and am.iable in the ex- 
treme. 

Rich in the confidence of his native State — pros- 
pering, influential, and populous — with talents, ex- 
perience and acquirements to justif}^ and render 
availing, the favors which she may be wilHng to 
bestow, the road to the highest honors and emolu- 
ments, is broad and open to his ambition. 



^ 



NATHANIEL P. TALLMADGE. 

Mr. Tallmadge has lately assumed a positioa 
which renders him an object of particular notice. 
His departure from the course of action now pur- 
sued by his former associates, has given him new 
friends, and turned into bitter animosity the kindly 
feelings, towards him, of the party to which he for- 
merly belonged. His peculiar situation, together 
with the undoubted talents "which he possesses, 
give to his name and character more than ordinary 
interest. In physical construction and appearance 
he presents nothing remarkable. His face is well 
formed, expressive of intelligence ; as a debater he 
is ready and energetic^. His manner is pleasing, oc- 
casionally warm and interestins;. In his native 
State his talents have not been unappreciated. 
Like mostof our prominent legislators, his profession 
is that of the law. He has undergone long proba- 
tion in the Legislature of New York, having served 
for many years as a State Senator, and in various 
other places of trust and importance. His first 
term of six years in the Senate of the United 
States, will expire with the next Congressional 
session. In the national politics, his views upon 
the present question of finance, are identical with 
those of Mr. Rives, of Virginia — Conservative. 
Up to the period of the introduction of that measure 
•of the present Administration — which of late has 



been the subject of 8o much praise, so much cen» 
sure, and so much notoriety — the sub-Treagury 
scheme — he upheld the principles and conduct of 
)the m^n now in power, and was identified with 
•their fortunes for weal or for wo. During the Pres- 
idency of General Jackson, he belonged to the 
party sustainmg him, and calling themselves the 
'Democracy. The natural tendency of his course, 
iatterly, as well as that ofthe General Government, is 
to separate him still farther and farther from his late 
■political associates, and perhaps it may be hazarded, 
without much temeritv, to drive him into absolute 
and unqualified opposition. In the heat and vio- 
lence of party times, and party action, there is, 
there can be, no neutrality. For the politician — at 
least in this country — there is no ^^ medmm iutissi' 

Mr. Tallmadge deserves an eminent place in 
the distinguished body to which he belongs. His 
style is lucid and classical — he reasons with force 
tmd nervous energy. His language is copious — his 
powers of illustration always apparent. His speeches 
are frequently interspersed Avilh poetic allusions, 
which appear — not like awkward strangers — but 
fitting with ease the context into which they are in- 
troduced, and the subject matter to which they are 
•applied. This is a legitimate exercise of the credit- 
system in letters. Scholarship and literary attain- 
ment are evident in every thing that escape him. It 
btM of4en beea remarked, and the trutij of lh« 



61 

remark remains unquestioned, that the more re- 
cent the convert, the greater the zeal. Hence we 
find, that the Conservatives exceed in the warmth 
of their opposition even the Whigs themselves. 
This is natural ; we always hate with the more bit- 
terness those to whom we once have occupied the 
relation of friendship. The Conservatives, from 
this cau:=e, have been the object of revilement and 
vituperation, from their ancient party friends and 
associates. This, of course, leads to retaliation. 
Hence the alienation of feeling becomes greater 
than ever could have existed between those stand- 
ing originally in an attitude of undisguised hos- 
tility. As a specimen of the style of Mr. Tall- 
MADGE, and as illustrating what I have just ad- 
vanced, the following extract from his speech in 
the Senate, Saturday, June 31), 1S38, entitled 
"against the enlargement of Executive power," 
may not be inappropriate : 

"And yet the experimenters have triumphed ! and the Sen- 
ator from North Carolina mourns over the loss of those De- 
viocraiic measures, whose success would have extinguished 
the last ray of hop3, and driven the mercantile and business 
community to utter despair. God deliver me from such 
Democracy. A Democracy which concentrates all power 
in the hands of one man — a Democracy which subjects the 
opinions and actions of party followers to his will, and to 
his will alone — a Democracy which makes the great and 
paramount interests of the country subservient to the low 
and grovelling pursuits of party — a Democracy which per- 
mits no action on any question, however urgent the neces- 
sity may be, without orders from head-quarters — a Demo- 

6 



62 

cracy that appeals to the passions and prejudices of th« 
people, instead of enlightening their judgments and relying 
upon their reason and their patriotism — a Democracy which 
attempts to set up one class of the cou.uiunity against the 
other, as if their interests were not reciprocal and identical — 
a Democracy which denies to every man the right to 
think and act for himself on thos- great questions in w hich 
the vital interests of the country are so deeply involved — a 
Democracy w'hich attempts, by party drill and party discip- 
line, to subvert the veiy spirit of the Constitution, to sub- 
stitute Executive for Legislative power, to subject the will 
of the Representatives to the will of the I'xecutive, to 
compel him to act contrary to his own o})inions, against his 
own judgment, in violation of his own conscience, and in 
open defiance of the expressed will and wishes of his con- 
stituents — a Democracy which extends its influence from 
the seat of the General Government to the respective States, 
which swallows up the reserved rights of the States in the 
consolidation of the central pow cr ; — a Democracy, in short, 
which establishes in the heart of the country the most per* 
feet despotism under the delusive forms of free institutions. 
"Yes, Mr. President, such is the Democracy of this Fede- 
ral Administraton — an Administration that has adopted 
the ultra federalism of "the reign of ff iTor," and now char- 
ges upon its former friends the sins of its own commission. 
Sir, the people of the United States cannot be deceived by 
these vain and hollow pretences.", 

A spirited and warm denunciation, in sooth, of 
what the Hon. Senator deems to be the self-styled 
" Democracy." Thus do we find portrayed, the 
party and the principles in which Mr. Tallmadge 
had been hitherto educated, " after the straightest 
manner of their sect" — whilst, during the same 
Congress, we find the same precepts the subject of 



63 

apology and defence upon the same floor, by one 
from " his youth upwards" to a late period, a mem- 
ber of the political school directly opposite. To 
fiuch variety of discordant incident is the career 
of the politician subject. The fate of Mr. Tall- 
MADGE and of Conservatism must become insep- 
erably united. Tiie reader is now possessed of the 
very imperfect delineation, which the materials in 
our possession have enabled us to make of this 
prominent and distinguished individual. The great 
State of New York, in perhaps the most important 
branch of the National Legislature, stands the victim 
of divided councils. Both her representatives, 
however different their attainments, their tastes, 
their sentiments, and their powers, by the measure 
of their intellectual capacity, do honor to the great 
State, whose interests are entrusted to their chaigs. 
The political destiny of either — identified with 
that of the widely separated parties to which ho 
belongs — only the futqre can determine, 



64 



WILLIAM C. RIVES. 

Whatever may be thought of Mr. Rives as &> 
politician, this can be said of him as a man, that 
he enjoys a reputation, in every respect, enviable. 
His private life is deformed by none of that gross 
immorality which is so frequently conspicuous in 
the lives of those who attain to eminence — the par- 
asite plant, which seems to delight to wreath its 
leaves of poison around the richly chiselled capi- 
tals of the tallest columns. In private lite no man 
can be more amiable or moral. It becomes now 
my purpose to indeavor to convey to the reader 
some impression of his outward appearance, and 
also to assign him a place beside hiscotemporaries, 
among the intellectual portraits, which I have es- 
sayed, however feebly, to delineate. 

The political attitude of Mr. Rives is very well 
understood. He belongs to a small band — the 
Conservatives. It may be generally observed, that 
every Conservative was once a Democrat — and the 
Conservative will say that so he remains. The 
Conservative claims to belong to the party admin- 
istering the Government. He is vituperated "by 
authority," and cheered by the Whig. The 
leading Conservatives cannot maintain their as- 
sumed position. Denounced by their former 
friends — excluded from their counsel and confi- 
dence — courted by their opponents — every inflvi- 



65 



ence combsnos to drive them into unqualified op- 
position. Perhaps, however, these remarks may 
be construed into a meaning, vvhicli they are not 
intended to express. We will return to the subject 
of our attention. 

Mr. Rives is by birth a Virginian, and was, . 
from an early age, a personal favorite of Mr. Jeffer- 
6on. 

In size he is remarkably diminutive — his ap- 
pearance from the galleries youthful and boyish. 
His face is regular, his countenance inteUigent — 
rather severely sedate and thoughtful. Like most 
gentlemen of inferior altitude, he pays considerable 
attention to dress. His manner is pleasing and 
easy, evincing great suavity. His order of mind 
is of the highest cast. In every sense of the term, 
he deserves to be called a scholar, a statesman and 
a gentleman. His style of elocution is good, but 
he lacks the form, voice, and action, to make an 
orator of distinction. He is classical, energetic, 
capable of able argument, and fully competent to 
fill a conspicuous place in the Senate of our coun- 
try. 

Mr. Rives has been for several years in the 
public service* He was distinguished for his gen- 
eral talents and powers of debate during the period 
of his service in the House of Representatives. 

He has also enjoyed the honor of representing 
the United States at Paris. 

Upon his return from France Mr. Rives was- 

elected to the United States Senate. 
6* 



ee 



-T^JDJVI-A^ ALLEN, 

OF OHIO. 



I have had the pleasure, occasionally, to hear the 
gentleman whose name heads these remarks. He 
is a prominent and promising individual. In per- 
sonal appearance JMr. Allen is not unlike Mr. 
Clav. He is the voun2:est member in the Senate. 
His countenance is pleasant, his features acute, his 
manner of delivery earnest and animated. Hia 
views are of iiic uilra-Bem.ocratic cast, w hich are 
urged in a style suiting the n^allcr. With expe- 
rience and study, he possesses the mateiiai to render 
himself eminent. He is said to be very popular 
in the West, and one would think isim calculated 
to become so. His declamation, allliough striking 
and effective, is perhaps too noisy and vejbose for 
the sedate and grave wisdom of assembled Sena- 
tors. Time, however, may cool the warmth which 
he now displays, and a better taste, under the 
guidance of the clear good sense which he evin- 
ces, uill no doubt eradicate the errors of too jrreat 
diffusiveness and too abundant ornament, and purge 
his style of the defects which now belong to it. 
The task of pruning is one most important to the 
speaker, or the writer, who has good cauiS, to bear 
m mind the sensible declaration of one of the most 
popular of modern writers, who, being asked why 
one of his productions was too long, replied, that 
ho had not time to shorten it. 



RD- 






t 



67 

The stjle of Mr. Allen is characteriaed by 
great boldness in his positions — his figures are nu- 
merous and frequently defective. 

He has, however, a straight-forward and efficient 
manner of enunciation, and a great command of 
words. Altogether he gives indication of a mind, of 
grasp far more than ordinary^ and (with defects 
certainly glaring enough) possesses talents of a 
striking kind. He is a highly respectable declaimer. 




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